Music distribution service Drip has announced it will close down in March after five years of operation. The platform was a way for independent labels and smaller artists to directly connect with their fans by offering exclusive content, music and other rewards in exchange for a flat subscription fee. Some of the clients included Diplo's Mad Decent, A-Trak's Fool's Gold Records, Claude VonStroke's Dirtybird Records, STS9, Stones Throw, Sub Pop and Teen Daze.
In a letter to their users, subscribers and content providers, Drip explained the reasoning why they are shuttering on March 18.
"Between timing, funding, and everything needed to realize this future, we made the decision that now was the time for Drip to come to a conclusion," they write.
"Before then we're committed to doing right by our creators and paying them in full."
Drip's founders feel as though the filled a need for labels and artists to receive support directly from their fans without a middle man taking a large chunk of the revenue along the way. However at this point, they feel as though there are other services which offer similar products to them.
"Throughout the next month we'll be looking to partner with these services to help our creators continue," Drip writes.
According to the letter, Drip has generated millions of dollars in direct, unfiltered support for their content creator partners from users. Independent labels and artists will be disappointed to see Drip go, but at this point they may be able to build their own direct subscription service to connect with fans.
Drip's last day will be March 18.
